Emma sits for a long time, looking at her photo album from the orphanage
The boys wrestle while Emma climbs.. a common sight in our room
Getting more tickles from her big brothers
She stills likes to have her orange outfit from the orphanage in her bed at night time.
Emma stands beside her friend, Audrey, who is also being adopted.After Pat led a little devotion for our group this morning under a pavilion in Sanya, we hopped on a plane & flew to Guangzhou, a city bustling with industry and people (10million, to be exact). We are staying at the well-known White Swan Hotel. WOW, they sure do pamper their guests!!!! Just as we were getting ready for bed tonight, a staff person knocked on our door and offered to ‘turn down our beds.’ He then gave us a Chinese newspaper (written in English!) and a bowl of chocolates. I could get used to this.
Many different stores and restaurants are on the main floor, and Chinese artwork and statues can be seen all over the lobby. This hotel is so famous for hosting adopting families that they even have “The Swan Room,” which is a play room for all the little kids running around here. Families travel to provinces all over the country to adopt, then congregate here in Guangzhou for the child’s visa to be issued. The street markets reflect this; tons of open air shops are loaded with souvenirs, traditional Chinese outfits, and lots of keepsakes for your little darling. (And bargaining is expected.) The hard part will be choosing among all the beautiful fabrics and artwork. Ben bought a traditional Chinese outfit for himself tonight. He can hardly wait to wear it.
We have no doubt that Emma is just the right girl for our family. God is perfect in all His ways, isn’t He?!! She loves to play, just like our boys, and her laughter is a common sound in our hotel room now. She has quite a personality, once you get to know her. She LOVES when her daddy throws her up in the air or chases her around the room. I wish each of you could hear her giggle. And she’s learning what “no” means, so we are making progress everyday. She still isn’t fond of high chairs or strollers, but that will take some more time. To my knowledge, she has never been in either.
We are just a few days away from leaving China. What an experience it has been! Life changing!!!! Even though ten days away seems long at first to stay in country, we can see in hind-sight that it is much needed to allow time for bonding.
Again, thanks so much for your prayers and encouraging words. We are so blessed to know people like you.
Many different stores and restaurants are on the main floor, and Chinese artwork and statues can be seen all over the lobby. This hotel is so famous for hosting adopting families that they even have “The Swan Room,” which is a play room for all the little kids running around here. Families travel to provinces all over the country to adopt, then congregate here in Guangzhou for the child’s visa to be issued. The street markets reflect this; tons of open air shops are loaded with souvenirs, traditional Chinese outfits, and lots of keepsakes for your little darling. (And bargaining is expected.) The hard part will be choosing among all the beautiful fabrics and artwork. Ben bought a traditional Chinese outfit for himself tonight. He can hardly wait to wear it.
We have no doubt that Emma is just the right girl for our family. God is perfect in all His ways, isn’t He?!! She loves to play, just like our boys, and her laughter is a common sound in our hotel room now. She has quite a personality, once you get to know her. She LOVES when her daddy throws her up in the air or chases her around the room. I wish each of you could hear her giggle. And she’s learning what “no” means, so we are making progress everyday. She still isn’t fond of high chairs or strollers, but that will take some more time. To my knowledge, she has never been in either.
We are just a few days away from leaving China. What an experience it has been! Life changing!!!! Even though ten days away seems long at first to stay in country, we can see in hind-sight that it is much needed to allow time for bonding.
Again, thanks so much for your prayers and encouraging words. We are so blessed to know people like you.
The City of Five Rams - February 12, 2007
Rosie, Emma, and Elainea waiting outside the medical clinic. Rosie's crib was right beside Emma's crib in the orphanage.
Rosie, Emma, and Elainea waiting outside the medical clinic. Rosie's crib was right beside Emma's crib in the orphanage.
On our way to eat at our favorite restaurant, Lucy's Grill
Walking back from the medical clinic
Emma stops to smell the flowers
Ben & the Five RamsOur first full day in Guangzhou (pronounced “gwong-joe”) has been great, although Emma didn’t really enjoy her medical exam which is required for her US visa. Each parent was holding a crying kid after the ear and throat check-up; the kids all have great lungs! But we are glad that they are showing normal emotions, instead of withdrawing and hiding their feelings. Each of the kids has their own personality. It is fun to see their similarities and differences.
In the Swan Room (aka play room) here in the hotel, Emma played with toys while I sat across the room and visited with other adoptive moms. That was the farthest she has let me venture without getting upset. She was so sweet playing and babbling to herself. Also, she loves to gives kisses; she brings such joy to our family, just like our boys do.
Pat and Ben went on the city tour and saw the Chen Assembly Hall, an ancient family temple. They also visited the Five Rams Statue, which is the symbol of the city. The people here believe that five gods rode the rams to this city and brought seeds for the barren land.Emma got a few traditional Chinese outfits today; she’ll be so cute in them. One of the ‘must have’ photos of adoptive families is the “Red Couch” photo. All of the kids from each specific agency are gathered together in traditional dress on the hotel’s red couch in the lobby. We’ll get that tomorrow night after our group’s last dinner together.
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